The plaque-unveiling ceremony for the Sanming University-Shanghai International Studies University Joint Research Center for Hungarian Studies during the conference. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

The 2026 International Conference of the Sanming University–Shanghai International Studies University Joint Research Centre for Hungarian Studies and the "Gateway to Hungary" Dialogue Between Scholars and Entrepreneurs was held on June 13 at Sanming University in Fujian province. The event highlighted growing academic, cultural, and economic cooperation between the two countries amid expanding bilateral ties.

Held under the theme "Country and Region Studies: Global Perspectives and Local Practices", the conference brought together more than 100 participants from universities, research institutions, government agencies, enterprises, and diplomatic organizations. The event was jointly organized by Sanming University and Shanghai International Studies University (SISU).

The opening ceremony featured a plaque-unveiling ceremony for the Sanming University-Shanghai International Studies University Joint Research Center for Hungarian Studies.

"We look forward to the research center becoming an important window for cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and Hungary," said Renato Horvath, acting consul general of the Consulate General of Hungary in Guangzhou, speaking at the inauguration.

Throughout the conference, leading scholars explored key issues in country and region studies (CRS), international communication, cultural exchange, legal studies, and China-Hungary relations. Keynote speakers addressed topics ranging from how CRS can serve national strategies and the development of foreign-related legal talent to the latest phase of Hungary-China relations under the "16+1" cooperation framework and the role of knowledge diplomacy in the bilateral strategic partnership.

The conference also featured five parallel academic forums focusing on Eastern European language and cultural studies, Hungarian language and literature, China-Hungary economic and legal cooperation, international communication, and educational and cultural exchanges.

The new research center features a distinctive "diaspora affairs + Country and Region Studies (CRS)" model, leveraging SISU's academic strengths and Sanming University's close ties to overseas Chinese communities. The surrounding county of Mingxi is known as the "top source county in Fujian for emigrants to Europe", with over 15 percent of its population living abroad, including a significant community in Hungary.

Meng Zhongjie, president of Shanghai International Studies University, stated that the joint center will help to advance CRS through the integration of high-quality academic resources. He added that the center will serve as a bridge to strengthen collaborative research and joint talent cultivation, helping to build China's independent knowledge system for CRS.

A special highlight was the "Gateway to Hungary" Dialogue Between Scholars and Entrepreneurs. Hungarian and Chinese experts discussed cultural trust-building, environmental protection, investment opportunities, and pathways for Chinese enterprises seeking to expand into European markets through Hungary.

Delegates travelled to Mingxi county, a well-known hometown of overseas Chinese, on June 14. where they participated in field visits and expert consultations focusing on international cooperation and business development. The conference concluded with an international experts' roundtable forum, providing a platform for further exchanges on CRS, globalization, and future China-Hungary cooperation.

The conference not only strengthened academic collaboration between Chinese and Hungarian institutions but also created new opportunities for economic partnerships, people-to-people exchanges, and mutual understanding. As China and Hungary continue to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, participants expressed confidence that academic dialogue and practical cooperation will strengthen bilateral relations and expand engagement between China and Central and Eastern Europe.

The authors are the teacher and researcher in the School of Overseas Education (School of Foreign Languages) at Sanming University in Fujian Province.